Program Executive Office for Tactical Aircraft (PEO(T)) program manager impresses with knowledge, work with industry

NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — In a Pentagon awards ceremony recognizing Defense Department acquisition workforce “all-stars”, the Airborne Electronic Attack Systems and EA-6B Program Office (PMA-234) program manager shined brightest.

Citing Navy Capt. John Bailey’s complete understanding of all the particulars of his program, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Frank Kendall awarded the inaugural Chairman’s Award to “Bails” in front of a standing-room only crowd Dec. 8.

Distinguished speaker Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert Work, who was joined on stage by distinguished presenter the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. Paul Selva, said “today we recognize the all-stars of the sea of (acquisition workforce) superstars.” Kendall told the assembled individual and workforce development awardees that he was “delighted to recognize some of the top-notch professionals today.”

 Bailey’s presentation was the last of some 25 awards, and Kendall asked Bails to remain on stage an additional minute. He explained that reading the manager’s program annual assessment led him to hand-select the program manager, who has led PMA-234 since January 2014.

 “He knew exactly what was going on in his program--all the details; was on top of it, doing the right thing; working very closely with industry in cooperative ways to get the job done,” Kendall said.  “(That) was what impressed me so much. That’s what I look for in our program managers; that’s why Bails got this award today.”

 Bailey said receiving the Chairman’s Award has both professional and personal meaning.

“You hope you are doing the right thing—the right thing for the warfighter, the right thing for your team, for the program obviously,” he said after the ceremony. “It’s kind of a validation of all of the late nights, and long weekends, and countless number of hours put into what you love to do. It’s kind of a validation of everything you poured your heart and soul into.”

Bailey, whose call sign is "Bails," earned praise from his boss for his leadership and delivering capabilities to the warfighter.

""Bails' is a consummate acquisition professional and program manager," said Rear Adm. Mike Moran, Program Executive Officer for Tactical Aircraft Programs. "He leads the airborne electronic attack systems program office staff with a unique style, allowing his team to excel at providing the fleet what they need, when they need it, and at a cost they can afford.

"I'm thrilled to see that his hard work, diligence, professionalism, and notably his levity-his ability to find humor daily in the process-are recognized at the highest level of Defense Department acquisition as what it takes to succeed. The bottom line is Bails' leadership style motivates his team to succeed and makes PEO(T) better."

The recognition comes in the wake of Bailey’s initiative to improve efficiencies and eliminate unproductive bureaucracy in the spirit of “better buying power” for PMA-234 products. Bailey focused on analyzing acquisition processes, evaluating risks and empowering his teams to think strategically. His pioneering efforts are evident in the advancements of the Next Generation Jammer Increment 1 Mid-band system and the recent fielding of the Intrepid Tiger II (V) 3.